San Cheen Do三战道 · In Memoriam
San Cheen Do
A rare and ancient art, carried out of the Song imperial court — and given, in Singapore, a second life.
For over five decades, Grandmaster Teo Choon Teck kept every technique combative and every student rooted in the San Cheen 三战 forms. This is a place to remember the man, the art, and the lineage he carried.
In 1969 he represented Singapore at the First South East Asia Free Sparring Tournament and returned Middleweight Champion. He built San Cheen Do from nothing, and over four decades carried the art into the heartlands — training nine batches of disciples.
"Over four decades, Sifu Teo brought San Cheen Do to the heartlands and trained up nine batches of disciples."
Teo Choon Teck · 1971
Kuntao · The Living Art
Created by Zhao Kuangyin, first emperor of the Northern Song — 马上皇帝, the emperor on horseback, undefeated in battle. Carried to Fujian by the imperial family, it armed commoners against pirates, and later forged fighters for the anti-Qing cause.
Through Yuan, Ming and Qing and into the present — more than a thousand years. Sifu Teo held to its traditional heart, the old kuntao, and passed it on unbroken.
Imperial martial-exam laureate, physician and revolutionary under Sun Yat-sen's Tongmenghui.
Defeated a Muay Thai champion in the ring; brought Taizu quan to Singapore and taught Teo Choon Teck.
Established San Cheen Do and its five San Cheen 三战 forms; champion, showman, teacher.
Entrusted with San Cheen Do in December 2020, he carries his father's art forward.
2nd SEA Sparring · 1971
Historical Records
Quanzhou Shaolin · 2007
'Little Bruce Lee' · Press
Community Showcase
Weapons · Performance
"His performances were very much in demand — but his truest legacy is the art itself, and the students who carry it."
As part of his will, San Cheen Do passed to his son, Teo Sook Seng, in December 2020. The forms are still taught. The lineage is unbroken. The Grandmaster is remembered.
While we appreciate mentions of Grandmaster Teo Choon Teck to honour his legacy, kindly refrain from using his name for commercial purposes and publicity.